Excavator.



W. N. SPRINGER.

EXCAVATOR.

APPLICATION FILED M1111. 1. 1911. 1,172,495.

C 14 es ac a W. N. SPRINGER.

EXCAVATOR.

APPLmATloN min 111,111.1. 1911` 1,172,495. Patented 11811221916.

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EXCAV/UUR.

APPLICATION FILED MMI. I,

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Patented Feb. 22,1916.

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ExCAvAToH. l APPLICATION FILED MAR. I. ISIS.

1,172,495. Patented Feb. 1916.

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W. N. SPRINGER.

EXCAVATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAH. 19H.

Patented Feb. 22, 1916.

@9i hamaca W. N. SPRINGER.

EXCAVATOR.

APPLICATION HLED MAR. 191|.

Patented Feb. 22, 1916.

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JIM (/@a/ APPLICATION ILED MAH. I.

N. SPRINGER.

EXCAVATOR.

1,172,495. Patented Feb. 22,1916.

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I nl fam i m a1 LQ I ff/ffW-m i M A D @trof/uml] NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM N. SPRINGER, OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO AVERY COMPANY, .A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

EXCAVATOR.

Application led March 1, 1911.

To o?! whom t may concern:

lle it known that I, IVILLIA M N. Srninonn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Peoria, in the county of Peoria and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Excavators, of which the follr'nving is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

rihis invention relates to improvements in power shovels or excavating devices csppcially adapted to be connected to and operated in conjunction with a traction engine or equivalent mechanism.

Mining the objects ot' my invention are the following to provide a power excavator adapted to be connected with a traction engine but to be readily detachable therefrom; to provide an excavator having improved means for steering and. controlling the supporting wheels; to provide a power excavator or erpiivalent device having improved means of connection for obtaining steam from the traction engine; to provide an excavating device which can be readily dismantled to permit easy transportation along narrow roads; to provide an excavating device having improved scoop controlling and actuating means; and to provide an excavating device having improved means for adjusting the various parts relatively to each other.

Various other objects will be apparent Jfrom the :following specification.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown for the sake of illustration the form of mechanism which I now deem preferable. It will be understood, however, that various changes and modifications may be made within thc scope and Without departing Jfrom the spirit of my invention.

0f the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation showing my improved excavating device attached to a traction engine. Fig. 2 is a plan view. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the machine detached from the traction engine. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing in detail the main base frame of the excavator together with the supporting caster wheels and associated parts. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. l. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the turn table and of the driving mechanism mounted thereon. Fig. 7 is a forward end view of the parts shown Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 22, 1.916.

Serial No. 611,565.

in Fig. G. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the parts shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional detail view of the pipe connection between the main frame and the turn table. Fig. 10 is a view showing the scoop in dumping position. Fig. 1I is a plan view of the machine with the parts in position for transportation, the boom and the mast being removed. -For the sake of clearness and simplicity the turn table with the winding mechanism has been omitted though in practico this is in position when the machine is being transported.

Referring to the drawings 1 represents as a whole a traction engine which is more or less conventionally shown and which may so far as many of the features of my invention are concerned be of any usual or preferred form. However for reasons which will fully appear I prefer a steam traction engine to engines driven by internal combustion motors or other power devices.

2 represents as a whole the main base frame of the excavating mechanism. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5 this frame is rectangular and is constructed of structural steel sections.

3, 3, are parallel side beams connected at their forward ends to the transverse or cross beam l. Beneath the rear parts of the side beams 3, 3, are two other parallel cross beams 5 and 6. Pivotally attached at their rear ends at symmetrically located points on the cross beam 5 are two draw bars 7 and S. These are detachably connected at their forward ends to a draw head 9 provided with an eye through which a pin may be passed to connect the frame as a whole with the draw bar of the engine. Detachable braces l() and 11 connect the head 9 with the ends of the cross beam 5. For the salte of permanence and rigidity of construction the draw bar and braces 7, 8, 10 and 11, may be detachably connected with the for ward. cross beam 4 at the points of contact.

If desired, tie bars 12 and 13 may be provided between the, two'cross beams 5 and 6. 14 and 15 are supporting caster wheels for the main frame 2. These may be of any of a variety of constructions such as are now well known. But I prefer to use relatively broad wheels such as are shown in the drawings, connected by means of the bearings 16, 16, and the cross pieces 1T,

17, with the annular bearing frames 18, 18. These bearing frames slidably engage with and support the annular bearings 19, 19, which are secured to the main frame Q, preferably through means of the lower sides of the ends of the cross beams 5 and 6. The caster wheels are thus adapted to rigidly support the frame but are at the same time free to be turned.

The caster wheels may be controlled by tongues such as are indicated as a whole by 20, Q0. Each of these tongues comprises two spaced parallel bars 21, 21, connected at their rear ends to a cross bar 22 which in turn is connected, preferably by means of interlocked eyes, to the annular bearing piece 18. The side bars Q1, 21, are connected by tie pieces 23, 23.

Q4 is a draft bar adapted to be placed within the space between the two side bars. It may be locked in position by means of a pin whiehlpasses downward through the forward tie piece 23 and through a suitable aperture in the draft bar. 1f desired a number of these apertures may be provided in the draft bar as indicated in the drawings to permit the locking of the draft bar in any one of a number of positions. The draft bar is provided at its forward end with an eye 26 which may be used in the manner to be hereinafter described.

i2? is an internal annular gear segment mounted upon the frame Q near the rear end thereof on the center line.

23 is an annular bearing frame mounted upon the main frame 2 concentricaly with the gear segment 27. This bearing frame comprises a ball race 29 and an inward extending horizontal flange 30.

31 represents as a whole the turn table frame which is mounted upon the annular bearing piece 28. This turn table frame has as one of its elements an annular bearing part 32 which is provided with a ball race 33 arranged in position to oppose the ball race Q9. Balls 34 arranged between these two ball races serve to provide an antifriction mounting for the turn table frame 31. A clip 35 on the bearing part 32 engages the lower side of the flange 30'and. serves to hoid the turn table frame against upward movement. The turn table frame comprises in addition to the bearing part 3Q the two parallel structural steel beams 36, 36, and the two cross beams 37, 37, connected to the lower sides of the beams 36, 36. near their forward ends.

3S and 39 are tie plates connecting respectively the upper and lower sides of the frame parts 36, 36. These tie plates 38 and 39 extend transversely outward beyond the parts 36. 36, for purposes to be hereinafter described. i

40, 40, are bearing castings for the drums and gearing of the operating mechanism.

They are mounted directly upon the frame parts 36, 36.

41 is a transverse shaft mounted in suitable bearings on the castings 4G and the cross beams 3T, 37. The shaft 41 is provided at its ends with Hy wheels 4Q, 4:2, which are provided with crank pins 43, 43. To these crank pins 43, 43, are connected the connecting rods 44, 44, of steam engines 45, 45. The cylinders of the engines 45, 45, are preferably secured to the ends of the plates 3S and` 39. The valve rods 46 are operated by the eecentrics 47 by means of the links 48, the rock shafts 49, and the levers 50.

51 is a worm shaft mounted in bearings on the frames 40, 40. Near its center it car ries the worm 52 which meshes with the worm wheel secured to the vertical shaft 54. The shaft 54 is mounted in bearings secured. to tie plates 55, 55, which extend between the two turn table frame members 36, 36. At the lower end of the shaft 54 is a pinion 56 which meshes with ,the internal annular gear Q7.

Mounted upon the shaft 41 near one end is a gear 57 which meshes with an idler gear 58 which in turn meshes with a gear 59 which is connected with one element 60JL of the clutch 60. The gear 59 and the clutch element 60a are freely rotatable on the shaf. 51. Near the other end of the shaft 41 i: a gear 61 which meshes with a gear 62 connected with one element- 63a of the clutch 63. The gear 62 with the clutch elementV 63 is also freely rotatable on the shaft 51. The clutches 6() and 63 are provided with cone elements 60 and 63 which are secured to the shaft 51 to rotate therewith. They are however slidable on the shaft and may be brought into engagement with the elcments 60 and 63, respectively, by means of the levers 64 and 65 which are connected by the link 66. One of the levers, as for instance 64, is provided with a handle 66a. lWhen the levers are in central positions the cone elements of the clutches are out of engagement with the other elements and no power is transmitted. However when the levers are thrown toward the right (as viewed i'n Fig. 7) then the clutch (i0 is engaged. When they are thrown toward the left the clutch 60 is disengaged and the clutch 63 is engaged.

67 is a pinion secured to the shaft 41 preferably between the bearing frames 40, 40. This pinion meshes with the gear 68 on the forward drum shaft 69. This drum shaft is mounted in suitable bearings on the top of the bearing frames 40. 40.

70 is the shaft for the forward drum, this being also mounted in bearings on the top of the bearing frames 40. A

71 is a gear secured to the shaft 70 and meshing with the gear 68. In this way amasar;

through the pinion 67 and the gears 68 and 71 the two drum shafts 69 and 70 are driven continuously in opposite directions.

.72 represents the rear drum mounted loosely upon the shaft 0). It may be connected to the shaft by means of the clutch 73 controlled by the lever Tit.

75 is a band brake for the drum 72. This band brake 75 may be tightened by means ot the foot lever 76 connected With the rock shaft 77.

T8 is the forward drinn mounted loosely upon the sha tt 70. It may be secured to the shaft by means of the clutch T0 which is controlled bv means of the lever 80.

81 is a band brake for the drum T8. This band brake may he tightened by means ot' the foot lever 81a secured to the roel( shaft S3 and 81 are winch heads secured to the ends of the shafts 09 and T0.

85 and 80 are platforms at both sides of the mechanism to be used b v the operator in handling it.

Si' represents, as a whole, the piping for conducting steam to the engines 15. 45.

SS represents the piping for leading the exhaust steam away from the engines. At the axial center of the turn table I provide the pipe connection which is shown in detail in Fig. 9. This comprises the lower base casting 89 which is secured in place on the main trame. If desired a plate 00 may be secured to the bottoms of the cross beams 5 and 0 as indicated in Fig. h'1. 'This plate has an opening lo receive the apertured boss at the bottom of the casting S9.

ill is an intermediate element rotatable with the turn table. This is provided with a sleeve 02 which extends downwardly into the top of the casting 89. a stntling box 93 being provided to insure tight, connection. Above the intermediate casting 91 is a` third casting 94 which is held rigid with the casting S9 by means ot' a pipe 05 which is secured in its lower end and which extends downward through the casting 91 and through the casting 80. The lower end of the pipe is threaded into the aperture at the bottom of the casting Considerable clearance is left between the pipe 95 and the sleeve 92. A. stuing box 96 insures tight connection between the pipe 05 and the casting 91.

07 is a pipe which extends through the upper casting 01 into the upper end of the pipe 0.7. A stuffing box 98 insures tight connec tion between the pipe 0T and the upper end of the casting 04.

The live steam supplyY pipes HT are connected to the upper end of the pipe 97 and live steam is supplied through the aperture in the bottom of the casting 89 and through the pipe 95. This live steam may be led from the boiler of the traction engine by means of suitable flexible piping such as indicated by 9S) in Fig. 1. The exhaust piping 88 is connected to the casting 91 at 100, the exhaust steam passingr down through the sleeve Eli! into the casting Sl) from which it passes out through suitable tlexible piping 101 to the traction engine where it can be used for feed water heating or for other purposes as may be desired.

lVhile l have described the power device, the gearing.y the drums and other mechanism mounted upon the. turn table with considerable attention to details, it is t0 be clearly underslood that my invention is not limited to the details shown and described. So far as many features of my invention aro concerned other mechanisms such as are well known can be substituted tor those which 1 have described.

102 and 103 are masts or shears mounted upon the main frame 2. Each mast is pivotally connected at its lower end to the main frame. by means of suitable bearings 10Q and 103, The two masts converge toward their upper ends as indicated in Figs. 2 and and are connected preferably by means of structural steel parts such as are shown in the drawings. The masts are connected with the traction engine bv means of a s vstem ot links. cables and blocks. This system preferably comprises two links 104; secured at their forward ends to the forward end of the boiler ot the traction engine. At their rear ends 'they are connected with the cable 105.

is a single pulley block connected with the traction engine by means of the links 107 and 105%.

109 is a two pulley block secured to the top :if the masts 102 and 103. The cable extends first over one pulley of the block 109. then over the puiley of the block 106. then over the other pulley of the block 100 and finallyY is secured at its other end to the links 10S hv means of the turn buckle 110. The turn buckle 110 may be used to adjust the'position of the masts within certain narrow limits.

The devices which l have described for connecting the masts or shears with the traction engine are so constructed and arranged that they are automatically tensioncd irrespective to the relative positions which the engine and excavator' wheels may assume on uneven ground. The cable 10.3 is maintained at a uniform tension throughout and automatically adjusts itself as the engine and excavator are relatively moved.

111 represents as a whole the main boom of the machine. This boom comprises two separate rolled steel elements 119 and 113, which may preferably be channel sections. These are pivoted at their lower forward ends to suitable bearings 114 and 115 secured to the forward ends of the turn table frame beams 36, 36. The rear ends of the boom elements converge and are joined at 11G as indicated in Figs. 3 and 1. The sections are tied together at suitable intervals by plates or lattice work 117. Reinforcing truss rods 118, 119, are preferably provided.

120 is a sheave secured between the rear upper ends of the boom elements.

121, 121, are two tie bars pivotally connected at one end to the rear end of the boom. These bars extend. forward and carry near their forward ends a double pulley block 122. At the upper ends of the urasts there is provided a pivot piece 123 mounted to swing about a substantially vertical axis. This pivot piece has connected to it to swing about a horizontal axis, links 12-1, at the rear end of which is mounted a double pulley block 125. A rope or cable 12S is secured at one end to the forward ends of the links 121 and extends over one pulley of the block 125, over one pulley of the block 122, over the other pulley of the block 125. over the other pulley of the block 122 and inallY extends downward to a drum 1:37 which is rotatably mounted upon the boom near its forward lower end. A worm wheel 128 is connected with the drum 127. A worm 129 on the shaft 130 engages the worm wheel 12S. The shaft 130 may be I o-. tated by means of the hand wheel 131. Thus by turning the hand wheel the drum 127 may be turned to wind or unwind the rope 126 to raise or lower the boom.

132 represents as a whole the scoop or excavating bucket. This bucket may be of any usual or preferred construction adapted for the purpose but that which I prefer and which I have shown is similar to that shown anddescribed in my co-pending application for excavating scoops filed of even date herewith Serial No. (311,564. Briefly described this scoop comprises the shovel 133 to the rear end of which is pivoted the bail 134. This bail carries at its upper end the single pulley block 135.

13G is a latch pivoted to the bail 134 at 13T. The latch 136 is connected with a link 13S which at its upper end is provided with an eye through which the main supporting and lifting rope 139 passes.

110 is a lug or bracket rigidly secured to the shovel near its forward end and extending backward to a point adjacent the latch. The latch is normally held in position to engage this bracket 14() by means of a spring 141. Near the forward end of the shovel at opposite sides thereof are pulleys 142 which serve 'to guide the links 143. These links are connected at their rear ends to the sides of the bail 134 at points above the points of pivotal connection of the bail to the shovel. The forward ends of the links 143 have connected to them the single pulley block 144.

The main lifting rope or cable 139 has one y,

end secured to the boom near its outer end. The cable extends downward through the eye at4 the upper end of the link 13S around the pulley of the block 135, upward over the slieave 120 and downward and forward to the drum 72.

115 is' a plug or button secured to the rope 13S) for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

146 is a rope secured at one end to the turn ta'ble frameV 31 which rope extends rearward over the pulley of the block 1.11 and then forward to the drum 78. If desired pulleys 117 and 11S may be provided for guiding the rope 1113. These pulleys are slidably mounted on shafts 119 and 150 and are adapted to move from side to side alternately under the influence of the rope as it winds upon the drum 73.

In normal operation it being assumed that the apparatus is set up in position as shown in the drawings, movements of the scoop and of the boom can be controlled by the operator from the platform 85. The engines 15. 15. are operated continuously, continuous rotation of the shafts 41, 69 and 7G resulting. If the scoop 132 be in position as shown in Fig. l, then the operator by throwing in the clutch 7S). by means of the lever 30, may cause the rope 11G to wind upon the drum The winding of the rope 116 draws the scoop along the ground, the sharp teeth at the forward end thereof serving to loosen the earth to permit it to enter the shovel. lt will of course be understood that during this operationithe drum 72 is loose on its shaft to permit the rope 139 to unwind freely. After a load has been scooped into the shovel the clutch 79 may be released and the drum 78 held against rotation in the opposite direction by means of the brake S1. Then, by means of the lever 74 the clutch 73 may be thrown into engagement to cause the rotation of the drum 72 to wind the rope 139 and lift the scoop. By partially releasing the brake 81, the operator may, if desired, permit the scoop to swing outward as it is lifted to a point directly beneath the end of the boom. Or, by stopping the rotation of the drum 78 at the proper point, the scoop may be held at any intermediate position such as that indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1.

After the scoop has been lifted to the desired elevation the clutch 73 is of course released and the drum 72 held against rotation in the other direction by means of the brake 75. lVhen the scoop is in the desired elevated position, then the turn table with the boom may be swung to one side or the other to carry the scoop into position for dumping. This swinging movement of the turn table and boom is brought about by moving the lever 66a in one direction or the other to throw either the clutch 60 or the clutch 63 into engagement. In this way thed shaft 51 may be rotated in one direction or the other and corresponding motion is transmitted through the worm 52 and the worm wheel 53 to the vertical shaft 51 carrying the pinion 5G which engages with the segmental gear QT. The rotating pinion by this engagement with the gear serves to move the turn table in a direction depending upon the direction of its rotation.

Then the boom has been swung to the desired extent and the scoop has been brought to the propel-'position for dumping, then the drum 72 is again actuated to wind the rope 139 sufliciently to lift the scoop to bring the eye of the link 138 into engagement with the button 145 on the rope. This engagement of the eye with the button causes the latch 136 to move to release the bracket 110 and permit the shovel to swing into dumping position as shown in Fig. 10. After dumping the boom is swung back to carry the scoop into position for re-loading. 7When the scoop is dropped to the ground, the shovel automatically takes its normal horizontal position and when the rope 146 is tensioned the bail 131 is drawn forward far enough to permit the latch 136 to engage the bracket 140. The operations which have been before described are then repeated.

If desired in order to prevent any possible tipping of the machine under heavy loads when the boom is swung to extreme positions, wooden braces may be used to support the upper ends of the masts 102 and 103. Such braces are indicated in Figs, 1, 2 and 3 by 151, 152.

When it is desired to adjust or change the position of the machine this may be done by drawing it forward or moving it backward by means of the traction engine, the wheels 14 and 15 being turned to proper angles by means of the tongues 20, 20. t will be 0bserved that the tongues 20, 20, are extensible and that the inner section 24 may be drawn out to give longer Aleverages for turning the wheels. Normally, however, the tongues are supported and held against turning by means of cli s 20, 20, which are held in place by bolts rom the main frame as shown in Fig. 3.

When it is desired to transport the machine for a considerable distance, then it is usually necessary to dismantle it to the extent of removing the boom and the masts. To remove the boom it is of course only necessary to lower it to the ground and then remove thc pins from the bearings 114 and 115. Similarly the masts 102, 103, can be lowered and the ins removed from the bearings with which they are connected. After the boom and masts have been removed then the braces 10 and 11 of the main frame can be detached and after the machine has been disconnected from the engine the draft head can be disconnected from the draw bars. Nhen this has been done the draw bars can be swung around into the positions shown :in Fig. 11 and secured. A third wheel 153 lis brought into use and is secured to these shifted draft bars in position as shown in Fig. 11. The wheel lai is swung around toward one side and the wheel 15 is also similarly swung. The tongue 20 for the wheell 15 is connected to the traction engine. It will of course be understood that the wheels 14 and 153 are locked in position parallel to the line of movement of the frame. The wheel 15 is free to turn under the influence of the tongue 20. By means of this re-adjustment of the machine it is possible to move it along much narrower roads or around sharper corners than would be possible were it attempted to move the machine when all of its parts are assembled.

What I claim isz- 1. 1n an excavator, the combination of the main frame, the means comprising a vertical pivot for flexibly' connecting the main frame at its forward end to a traction. engine to be supported thereby, the ground engaging wheels for supporting the rear end of the frame, each of the said wheels being independently adjustable with respect to the frame about a vertical asis, the manually controllable devices for turning the said wheels about their vertical axes, the excavating mechanism supported on the frame and comprising an earth engaging `scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechantk :na for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

2. ln an excavator, the combination of the main frame, the means comprising a vertical pivot for flexibly connecting the main frame at its forward end to a traction engine to be supported thereby, the ground engaging wheels for su porting the rear end of the frame, each o? the said wheels being independently adjustable with respect to the frame about a vertical axis, the horizontal tongues connected respectively to the said wheels for turning them about the said vertical aXes, the excavating mechanism supported on the frame and comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

3. In an excavator, the combination of the main frame, the means comprising a vertical pivot for flexibly connecting the main frame at its forward end to a tranction engine to be supported thereby, the ground engaging wheels for supporting the rear end of the frame, each of the said wheels being independently adjustable with respect to the frame about a vertical axis, the horizontal tongues connected respectively to the said wheels for turning them about the said vertical axes, the said tongues being extensible in length to provide increased leverage for turning the wheels, the excavating mechanism supported on the frame and comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather andelevate earth.

4. In an excavator, the combination of the mai frame, the means comprising a vertical pivot for tiexibly connecting the main frame at its forward end to a traction engine to be supported thereby, the ground engaging Wheels for supporting the rear end of the frame, each of the said wheels being independently adjustable with respect to the frame about a vertical axis, the relcasable means for locking the said wheels in parallelism with the frame, excavating mechanism supported on the frame and comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

5. In an excavator, the combination of the main frame, the means comprising a vertical pivot for fiexiblyconnecting the main frame at its forward end to a traction engine to be supported thereby, the ground engaging wheels for supporting the rear end of the frame, each of the said Wheels being independently adjustable with respect to the frame about a vertical axis, the horizontal tongues connected respectively to the said wheels for turning them about the said vertical axes, the releasable means for engaging the tongues to lock the said Wheels in parallelism with the frame, the excavating mechanism supported on the frame and comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

6. In an excavator of the class described, the combination of a traction engine, an excavator frame, means for supporting one end of the frame from the ground, means for flexibl connecting the other end of the frame to tlie traction engine to be supported thereby, an upright element pivoted at its lower end to the frame for movement about a transverse horizontal axis, stay devices for connecting the upper end of the said upright ele-ment to the said traction engine, excavating mechanism supported in part directly on the frame and 1n part from the said upright element, the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

7. In an excavator of the class described, the combination of a traction engine, an excavator frame, means for supporting one end of the frame from the ground, means for flexibly connecting the other end of the frame to the traction engine to be supported thereby, an upright element connected at its lower end to the frame, stay devices for connecting the upper end of the said upright element to the said traction engine, the said stay devices being adjustable in length to permit movement of the upright element relatively to the engine, excavating mechanism supported in part directly on the frame and in part by the said upright element, the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

8. In an excavator of the character specified, the combination of a traction engine, an excavator frame pivotally connected to the traction engine to move in a horizontal plane, ground Wheels for the said frame, an upright element horizontally pivotcd at its lower end upon the main frame, a stay connection between the upper end of the upright element and the traction engine, excavating mechanism supported in part directly on the frame and in part from the said upright element, the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

9. In an excavator of the character set forth, the combination of a traction engine, an excavator frame pivotally connected thereto to move in a horizontal plane, an upright element pivoted at its lower end directly to the said frame, a stay connection between the upper end of the upright element and the traction engine, excavating mechanism sup orted in part upon the frame independpently of the upright clement and in part by the said element at the upper end thereof, the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame, and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth.

10. In an excavating apparatus, the combination of the traction engine, the earth scooping and lifting devices, the intermediate excavator frame fiexibly connected to the traction engine, the vertically adjustable boom supporting the scooping and elevating devices, mounted on the excavator frame the longitudinally adjustable strut frame on the excavator frame, the supporting and staying devices between the strut frame and the boom framefor adjustabliY supporting the latter, and the adjustable` staying and supportilig-devices between the traction engine and the strut frame and adapted to transmit strains from the boom and the strut frame to the traction engine, substantially as described.

11. In an excavator of the class delscribed, the combination of a traction engine an excavator frame, means for supporting one end of the frame on the ground, means for ilexibly connecting the other end of the frame to the traction engine to be supported thereby, a horizontal tu'rn table on 'the frame, an upright element compris ing two struts connected at their lower ends to the sides of the frame entirely independently of the said turn table and adapted for movement about a transverse horizontal axis, stay devices between the upper end of the said element and the traction engine, and excavating mechanism comprising a boom mounted at one end on the said turn table and sup orted at the other end by connections to tile upper end of the said upright.

12. In an excavator of the class described, the combination of a traction engine, a main excavator frame, means for supporting the frame from the ground at one end, means for detachably and flexibly connecting the frame to the traction engine at the other end, a horizontal turn table mounted upon the frame, an upright strutlike element mounted upon the frame entirely independently of the turn table, stay devices for connecting the upper end of the upright element with the traction engine, excavating mechanism supported in part upon'the turn table and in part by flexible connections to the upper end of the said upright element and power mechanism carried bodily by said turn table comprising a motor, a drum and a rope for operating the said excavating mechanism.

13. In an excavator of the class described,

the combination of a traction engine, a main l excavator frame, means for supporting one end of the frame from the ground, means for detachably and flexibly connecting the other end of the-frame to the traction engine, a horizontal turn table mounted on the main frame, an upright element horizontally and transversely pivoted at its lower end directly upon the frame independently of the turn table, stay devices for connecting the upper end of the said element with the traction engine, excavating mechanism supported in part upon the turn table and in art by flexible connections to the upper end of the said upright element, and power mechanism carried bodily by said turn table comprising a motor, a drum and a rope for operating the said excavating mechanism.

14. In an excavator of the class described, the combination of a traction engine, an excamtor frame flexibly connected with the traction engine. ground wheels for the frame, an upright element transversely and horizontally pivoted at its lower end on the frame, a plurality of cooperative stay devices between the upper end of the upright element and widely separated points on the traction 4engine distributed from the front end to the rear end thereof, a differential connection between the said stay devices and the said upright element, and excavating mechanism comprising a boom mounted at one end on the frame and supported at the other` end by connections to the upper end of the said' upright.

1,5. In an excavator of the character de scribed, the combination of a traction engine, an excavator frame flexibly connected with the traction engine, ground wheels for the frame, an upright element transversely and horizontally pivoted at its lower end on the frame, apulley connected with the upper end of the said upright element, a flexible stay connection extending over the said pulley and connected at its ends to separated points on the traction engine, and excavating mechanism comprising a boom mounted at one end on the frame and supported at the other end by connections to the upper end of the said upright.

16. In an excavator of the class described, the combination of a traction engine, an excavator frame flexibly connected with the traction engine, ground Wheels for the frame, an upright element transversely and horizontally pivoted at its lower end on the said frame, two pulleysconnected with the upper part of the said upright element, a pulley connected with the traction engine, a flexible stay device connected at one end with the forward part ofthe traction engine and at the other end with the rear part of the traction engine, the said stay device extending intermediate its ends, first over o-ne pulley on the upright element, then over the pulley on the traction engine, and then overV the other pulley on the upright element, and excavating mechanism comprising a boom mounted at one end on the frame and supported at the other end by connections to the upper end of the said upright.

17. In an excavator, the combination of a main frame having a width greater than its length, excavating mechanism adapted to be mounted upon the frame, the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop power movable with respect to the frame and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth, a means for connecting the frame at one point with a traction engine for movement in one direction with one of its Wider end parts foremost, supporting wheels for the frame adjustable about vertical axes, a tongue connected at one end to one of the said wheels and adapted to be connected at its other end with a traction engine for moving the frame in a direction at an angle to the first said direction with one of its narrower end parts foremost, all of the said supporting wheels being movable about their said vertical axes to planes parallel with either of the said directions of movement. Y

18. In an excavator, the combination of a main frame, excavating mechanism adapted to be mounted upon the frame the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth, means for supporting the forward end of the frame upon a traction engine, two supporting wheels for the rear end of the frame adjustable about vertical axes, means for connecting the lframe at another point to a traction engine for movement in another direction at an angle to the first, the said Wheels being adjustable about the vertical axes to planes parallel with either direction of movement and a third Wheel adapted to be secured to the frame in a plane parallel with the said second direction of movement.

19. In an excavator, the combination of a main frame, excavating mechanism adapted to be mounted upon the frame the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame and power mechanism for actuating the said,

scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth, draw bars extending forward from the frame and adapted to be connected at their forward ends With a traction engine for supporting and moving the frame, the said draw bars being also adapted to be moved transversely into secondary positions, supporting Wheels for the rear end of the frame, the said Wheels being adjustable about vertical axes, means for connecting the frame with a traction engine for movement in a direction at an angle to the irst direction, the said wheels being adjustable WILLIAM N. SPRINGER.

Witnesses:

J. M. CALDWELL, L. M. STACY.

.with either 'of the said directions of movement.

18.. In an excavator, Vthe combination of a main frame, excavating mechanism adapted to be mounted upon the frame the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable With respect to the frame and power mechanism for actuating the said scoop to cause it to gather and elevate earth,

'means for supporting the 'forward end of the frame upon a traction engine, two supporting wheels for the rear'end of the frame adjustable about vertical axes, means vfor connecting the frame at another point to a traction engine for movement in another direction at an angle to the first, the said wheels being adjustable about the vertical axes to planes parallel with. either direction of movement and a third wheel adapted to' be secured to the frame in a plane parallel with the said second direction of movement.

19. In an excavator, the combination of a main frame, excavating mechanism adapted tobe mounted upon the frame the said mechanism comprising an earth engaging scoop movable with respect to the frame and Corrections in Letvters Patent No. 1,1 12,495.

Signed and sealedthis 25th`day of July, D., 1916.

power mechanism for actuating the said,

.directiom the said Wheels being adjustable to planes parallel with the said second direction of movement, and a third supporting wheel adapted toy b e connected to the said draw bars when they are in their said secondary positions.

In testimony whereofI afx my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM N. SPRINGER.-

Witnesses:

J. M. CALDWELL, L. M. STAcY.

` It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,172,495, granted February 22,

1916, upon the application rof William N.'Springer, of` Peoria, Illinoisffor an improvement in "Excavatorsf errors` appear in the printed specification requiring tion; page 7, line 115,'claim 17, strike out the word power; and that thesaid ALetters Patent should beread with these corrections therein that thev same may conform to the record of the case 'inthe Patent ice.-

F. W. n. CLAY, wing ommasimr of Patata.

correction as follows:y Page' 5, line 123, claim 3, for the word tranctioni read tmc-` It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,172,495, granted February 22,

1916, upon the application of William N. Springer, of Peoria, Illinois, for an improvement in Excavatore errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 5, line 123, claim 3, for the Word tranction read traction; page 7, line 115, claim 17, strike out the word power; and that the said Letters Patent should be-read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oice.

signed and Sealed this 25511 day of July, A. D., 1916.

[amm] F. W. H. CLAY,

Acting Commissioner of Patents. C1. 37-19. 

